EAST BROOKFIELD: Irene L. (Braconnier) Butcher, 97, formerly of Evergreen St., died Monday, April 2 in Quaboag Nursing & Rehab, W.Brookfield.
She was the wife of Nicholas Butcher who died in 2001. She leaves her daughters Carol R. (Los) Premo and her husband Robert of North Brookfield and Mary S. (Los) Wilson and her husband Carl of W.Brookfield, grandchildren Michelle (Wilson) Chavez, Carl H. Wilson, Jr., and Nichole (Premo) Thestrup, great grandchildren Manuel Chavez, Madelyn Wilson, Abigail Wilson, Richard & Nicholas Thestrup, step sons Bruce Butcher of Calif., and William Cullen of Calif., step grandchildren Patty, Roxanne and William Butcher, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her step son Robert Butcher, brothers Clarence Braconnier, Alfred Brown, Andrew Braconnier, Guilford Braconnier, Leon Braconnier, Raymond Braconnier, sisters Dorilla Braconnier, Julia Johnson, Eva LaFlash, Rose McEvoy, Laura Anderson and Rachel Schwartz.
As a mother, Irene was the most gracious, generous, caring, kind, unselfish and strong person. She always put her daughters first, often going without herself. She was called the "Angel of Mercy", as she faithfully visited relatives in nursing homes and hospitals. She welcomed all who came to her door. Her goodness and unwavering devotion to the Blessed Mother was incomparable and steadfast.
Born in Spencer, she was the daughter of Antoine and Rose J. (LaFreniere) Braconnier.
Graveside services were held privately in Evergreen Cemetery, E.Brookfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the East Brookfield Ambulance Fund, 273 East Main St., E.Brookfield, MA 01515. J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing arrangements for the family.